Chapter News
Chapter & Alumni News
Alabama
The Theta Chapter is proud to announce that it raised $21,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Throughout the semester, Theta Chapter held events such as, Jam for St. Jude on February 7th, which raised $12,000, and Crawfish for a Cure on April 10th, which raised $9,000 plus 2,500 cans to donate to the Tuscaloosa community soup kitchen. Theta Chapter is also proud to announce the success of its first parent’s weekend, an event that will grow and gain the continued support of the chapter.
Alabama in Huntsville
UAH Student Government
Pictured are the six brothers from the Mu Beta Chapter that were sworn into the student government association at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Arkansas at Fort Smith
This year was the Nu Alpha Chapter’s 7th annual St. Jude Breakaway 5k. This year’s event saw more than 160 runners and walkers, which resulted in donations totaling more than $3,500 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Both of these numbers were records for the event.
The St. Jude 5k has been Nu Alpha’s premier philanthropy event since coming to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) in spring 2007.
Ball State
Alex Sventeckis and Max Wurster of the Theta Nu Chapter took home Greek Man of the Year and Outstanding Interfraternity Council Chapter President of the Year, respectively, at this year’s Ball State University Grand Chapter. The Theta Nu Chapter also became fully accredited and recognized as “meets expectations” in six of the eight categories in Ball State’s Greek standards program. The Theta Nu Chapter received recognition for their membership development as “exceeds expectations.” This is a dramatic step forward from last year’s review of “needs improvement” in all eight areas of operation.
The chapter intends to build on this success and continue to grow as a leader within the Greek community at Ball State University.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Brother Cameron Schwartz was part of the winning team from Cal Poly that won the Ernst and Young Beam Abroad Information Systems Case Study Competition. The team gave its final presentation to a group of judges from Ernst and Young in Los Angeles. The team from Cal Poly competed against eight other colleges from around the country, including UC Berkley and University of Washington.
As part of its winnings, the team will receive a full vacation anywhere around the world and $6,000. The team worked relentlessly for over a month, occasionally putting in 21-22 hour days. After winning, Brother Schwartz commented, “I couldn’t have done it without the lessons of hard work and drive instilled in me from Sigma Nu. The support and encouragement from my brothers of the Kappa Pi Chapter was the greatest strength I had.”
Cal State Chico
In November, brothers of the Iota Kappa Chapter won the intramural volleyball championship. The chapter also won Gamma Phi Beta’s Crescent Classic Philanthropy Week Competition (November 17th-19th) raising money for Girls on the Run and Camp Fire.
California State Northridge
Brother David Perry was recognized as the 2014 Fraternity Chapter Advisor of the Year by Cal State Northridge on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. Under his advisement, the Iota Upsilon Chapter has improved in academic standing, increased recruitment, expanded the LEAD Program, and increased alumni support.
Case Western Reserve
Brother Anton Spencer recently addressed leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus on the partnership between the organization and his university at a luncheon in Washington, D.C. Spencer is a recipient of the Louis Stokes Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship and is majoring in biomedical engineering and music.
Speaking about his experience, Brother Spencer noted, “I was really excited to showcase CWRU and tell people how I plan on making a difference and improving the campus even more.” Continuing his remarks he added, “Case Western Reserve allowed me to pursue both of my passions: music and engineering,” Spencer said. “I have access to a world-renowned conservatory and the engineering program is excellent.”
At this spring’s Greek awards ceremony, the Delta Alpha Chapter won six awards and one scholarship. Among the individual awards won were Outstanding New Fraternity Member (William Oldham), Christina Camardo Award for Outstanding Service to their Chapter (Anton Spencer), and Greek Man of the Year (Brian Hayt).
The chapter was also recognized for its leadership, citizenship, ritual use, and scholarship.
Despite its strong showing at the awards ceremony, the chapter is committed to continued growth. Delta Alpha will continue to strive for excellence in all areas. With planning and perseverance, the chapter will attain heights that were never thought possible.
Cornell
Brother Alex Krakoski was recently profiled on Cornell University’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management blog about his new company Trail-Worthy Beef Jerky. Krakoski, a sophomore brother, developed the idea for his company while studying abroad in Switzerland. Many of Krakoski’s classmates were seeking a better snack option for their daily skiing routines and he decided to use the recipe for beef jerky that his mother had used to create some snacks.
Krakoski’s team, now composed of nine other Cornell students, has won a $5,000 scholarship from the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management for their start-up. Speaking about his new start-up, Brother Krakoski said, “I donate a large percentage of my sales revenue to a scholarship student fund at my school.”
Also, at this spring’s Greek life awards presentations, Brother Julian Gallo (Cornell) was named Outstanding Officer of the Year by the Cornell University IFC. Brother Gallo created a new member education program that placed particular emphasis on non-hazing practices.
Delaware
On Sunday April 13th, the Delta Kappa Chapter of Sigma Nu held their 2nd annual Alumni Golf Classic, Auction & Dinner at the Deerfield Golf & Tennis Club in Newark, Del. The time and effort put in by the brothers to build on last year’s success was noticeable. Compared to last year’s event the chapter doubled the total attendance at the event while also tripling profits. This year the event was also a philanthropy event, benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. There were 18 foursomes of golfers, with 72 golfers participating. There were more than 20 Delta Kappa alumni in attendance, as well as many collegiate brother’s fathers and uncles.
Immediately following last year’s golf outing the chapter outlined key areas that could be improved upon. The chapter recognized that to hit a higher fundraising target it needed outside help. The chapter got in contact with Delta Kappa Alumnus Kevin Scanlon who specializes in fundraising for events similar to the chapter’s event. The chapter’s Fundraising and Alumni Relations Chairman worked closely with Brother Scanlon to make the event the success that it was.
The chapter made about $13,000 in revenue and $7,500 in profit. This is more than triple the numbers from last year. The chapter is excited to build off this success next year. In planning for next year, the chapter has set a goal of $12,000 net profit. More importantly, the goal is to raise the participation of the chapter’s alumni in the event.
Drury
On Saturday, May 3, the Epsilon Beta Chapter worked from 6 a.m. to noon with JDRF of the Ozarks for their annual fundraiser walk. The walk was held at Drury University. In total, over $100,000 was raised at this event to go to research for a cure to Type 1 diabetes.
The chapter created its own team to participate in the walk and also raised money. Before the event, brothers trained and prepared. On the day of the walk, brothers worked from 6 a.m.-noon setting up, supervising, and cleaning up.
The chapter has always participated in this event, but has even more motivation to be involved because one of the chapter brothers has Type 1 diabetes.
Eastern Kentucky
Theta Theta Chapter participated in and helped set up the Relay for Life in Richmond, Ky. This is the second year the chapter has participated in the Relay for Life. Theta Theta saw much improvement in members becoming leaders of this event, having six committee members.
Theta Theta Chapter saw this event as a great opportunity to step up as leaders and benefit an outstanding cause. Theta Theta Chapter helped raise money through personal fundraising and by having an on-site fundraiser. The chapter looks forward to being student leaders of this event for many years to come.
George Washington
The Delta Pi Chapter of George Washington University initiated five new knights into the Legion of Honor on April 26, 2014, at the Headquarters Shrine in Lexington, Va.
It is the Delta Pi Chapter’s tradition to travel to the Headquarters Shrine to hold its initiations. The spring 2014 candidate class has proven itself deserving of Love, Truth, and Honor through arduous learning of the traditions and values of fraternity, as well as active participation in the chapter’s social, philanthropy, and service events. Their initiation has brought new blood into the chapter, and the new members are all excited to further contribute to the chapter’s improvement and prosperity with their talents and efforts.
Georgia
On April 6, 2014, Mu Chapter hosted its first annual Sorority Soccer Showdown – a 3 on 3 tournament organized to benefit the National MS Society. In total, 11 sororities participated with over 150 spectators in attendance. The Showdown was won by Kappa Alpha Theta, with Pi Phi coming in second.
MS touches the lives of many, but Mu Chapter chose to raise money for the MS Society in particular due to many brothers having family and friends who have been diagnosed with MS, in particular, Freshman Chase Griffin’s (M 2568) father, Charles Griffin (M 1889). The chapter wanted to show its support to the Griffin family.
“We chose to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society because many brothers have family affected, so it is a cause close to home which is helping get everyone excited,” said Community Service and Philanthropy Chairman Alex Croy.
The chapter publicized the event through social media and flyers all over campus and downtown Athens businesses. Brothers of the chapter even walked down Milledge Avenue one afternoon and spread the word to all 17 sororities on campus.
The chapter raised over $8,000 from this event and its related silent auction – held on April 12 at the annual parent’s weekend. This was the first time the chapter hosted the event, but the brothers look forward to it becoming an annual occurrence. With the success experienced this year, it should be easy to make next year’s event bigger and better.
Georgia State
On April 5th, 2014, the Eta Gamma Chapter held its annual Sigma Nu Smoke Out benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The chapter raised over $9,000 with the help of Eta Gamma alumni, brothers, fellow Greeks, and nearly 60 sponsoring businesses from metro-Atlanta. This has put the total amount raised from the Smoke Out to approximately $25,000 since it was started by Chris Pena in 2010.
With the year now completed, the chapter collectively accumulated approximately 700 hours of community service towards organizations such as Trees Atlanta, Mad Housers, The Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Along with this, the Eta Gamma Chapter surpassed expectations for recruitment by increasing its chapter size by nearly 60%, initiating 23 members bringing the active chapter to a total size of 62 members. This recovery in chapter size gives the chapter the manpower it needs to prepare for the 55th anniversary of the Eta Gamma chartering, which will be a luau thrown collaboratively between the active and alumni chapter as a fundraiser for on-campus housing.
Eta Gamma is the only IFC chapter to be recognized three years in a row by the university. The chapter won the Greek Collaboration Award for its recent Golden Reign Week, hosted alongside the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha and Lambda Upsilon Lambda. The week focused on promoting Greek unity throughout the GSU community and consisted of multiple events including a clothing drive, a dodgeball tournament, a Greek block party, and a blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross. Along with this great accomplishment, the brothers of Eta Gamma brought home the Jernigan’s Cup for the best overall intramural team at Georgia State for the second year in a row!
The chapter won several social awards, as well, over the past year. Brother Andrew Hoffritz won Alpha Xi Delta’s man of the year for a second year in a row! The brothers also won Phi Mu’s Spring Fling Week for the fourth time in the past five years, and Brother Ryan Monroe was named Spring Fling King. The chapter also won the Alpha Xi Delta Xi Marks the Spot and Football FrenXi championships in the spring and the Alpha Omicron Pi All in for Arthritis Week.
Houston
The brothers of Zeta Chi Chapter spent their monthly community service event with Eagle’s Lift Ministries, a non-profit organization that focuses on sheltering young homeless women and their children. The brothers spent time doing yard work, gardening, and some construction. At the end of the service day, the chapter presented Eagle’s Lift with a check for $1,000 to help continue their efforts to aid young homeless women and children.
Huntingdon College
The Nu Beta Chapter is pleased to announce two individual awards that were won by chapter brothers. Nu Beta Marshal, Jeremiah Stone was named the Huntingdon College Greek Man of the Year and Social Chairman Malone Kaak was named Future Fraternity Leader of the Year. Both individuals were nominated by multiple Greek chapters on campus.
Jeremiah is serving in his second term as Marshal, and is also IFC vice president of community service. Jeremiah is also involved in various organizations at Huntingdon College such as Ambassador, Student Alumni Association, Host, Voice of Justice, and 4Life.
Malone is serving as Social Chairman and served as his candidate class president last semester. Malone is also involved at Huntingdon as IFC vice president of recruitment and as an orientation leader.
Jeremiah, uniquely, is the first person to win Future Fraternity Leader of the Year (2013) and follow that with Greek Man of the Year. A Sigma Nu has been named Greek Man of the Year two out of the last three years with Jake Bechert (NB 23) winning in 2011 and Jeremiah Stone (NB 56) in 2013.
Malone is the third consecutive Sigma Nu to win Future Fraternity Leader of the Year with Jagger Eastman winning in 2012 and Brother Stone in 2013.
Illinois
Gamma Mu Chapter was honored at the University of Illinois Greek Oscars annual awards presentation for being one of five exceptional chapters in the IFC during the 2013 calendar year. The University of Illinois IFC has the largest number of chapters in the country with 51 active chapters and close to 3,000 men.
The chapter is also proud to announce that their former Commander, Chris Marr, won the Greek Man of the Year Award for the IFC. This award is selected by a vote from delegates of each chapter. The Greek Man of the Year is a man who embodies the best of the Greek community and has made a substantial impact to improve his chapter and community while leading others to do the same.
Iowa
In the fall, the Beta Mu Chapter successfully recruited 32 new candidates with 20 additional candidates joining in the spring. The chapter looks forward to continuing its recruitment success through use of the Virgil M. Hancher Scholarship that is awarded to five incoming freshmen.
Beta Mu initiated 30 of its fall candidates – its second largest initiation class in chapter history. The fall semester also saw the chapter have 22 members make the Dean’s List, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Led by the efforts of Brother Ricky Stochl the chapter raised a total of $12,611.41 for the University of Iowa’s Big Event. Speaking about his involvement with the Big Event, Brother Stochl said, “I feel extremely proud and feel very hopeful for our future involvement.”
James Madison
On Sunday, February 9, 2014, the Iota Delta Chapter at James Madison University traveled to Headquarters in Lexington, Va. At HQ, Iota Delta held its initiation ceremony for 18 brothers, as well as the induction ceremony for 14 new candidates.
In January, Iota Delta won the Outstanding Alumni Program, Outstanding Alumni, and Chapter Scholarship Award at the James Madison University Fraternity and Sorority Life Excellence Awards Banquet. Also, Alumnus Matthew Alcide won JMU Fraternity Alumnus of the Year.
The chapter focused on alumni relations these past couple of years, and the results speak for themselves. These awards prove how much the chapter has improved in alumni relations. Moving forward, the chapter’s goal is to win JMU Fraternity of the Year.
Kent State
The fans of the Cleveland Indians – and Nick Swisher – have spoken, and have elected Brother Adam Gockowski as the first full-time Governor of Brohio, the group of fans that make up section 117 at Progressive Field. Gockowski, a Twinsburg, Ohio, native will now preside over the excitable section 117 (“Brohio”) that cheers on Nick Swisher with particular enthusiasm. Brohio went viral on social media throughout the summer of 2013 and is now a recurrent theme for all Friday and Saturday games during the 2014 season.
Fans originally submitted videos to be considered for one of four finalist spots, and those finalists then campaigned in front of Swisher himself on the KeyBank main stage in January at Tribe Fest, held at the ballpark.
For more information on Gockowski, Brohio and to see a video of Swisher congratulating the winner, visit Indians.com/Brohio.
On April 5, 2014, the Zeta Gamma Chapter volunteered at The Up Side of Downs Dinner, Dance, and Raffle at Lamalfa Hotel in Mentor, Ohio. The Up Side of Downs is a Cleveland based charity that has the mission to provide support, education, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, their families and communities.
Zeta Gamma Chapter has volunteered at The Up Side of Downs Dinner, Dance, and Raffle every year for the past three years. More than 600 people from the greater Cleveland area attended The Up Side of Downs Dinner, Dance, and Raffle this year with 18 brothers from the Zeta Gamma Chapter in attendance to volunteer at the event.
The Zeta Gamma Chapter has been participating in numerous events with The Up Side of Downs over the previous three years and the generosity from the organization to help the chapter participate in these great events motivates the brothers to be more active in the community.
Four months prior to the event, the chapter planned the 2014 calendar around this event, so brothers were able to be in attendance. The chapter teamed up with members of The Up Side of Downs to raise more money at the raffle this year.
On April 13, the Zeta Gamma Chapter hosted its 2nd annual Sigma Nu: Golf Your Heart Out at the Fairways of Twin Lakes in Kent, Ohio, with proceeds being donated to the American Heart Association.
The Zeta Gamma Chapter has been hosting Sigma Nu: Golf Your Heart Out for two years with an increased attendance this year. Around 100 individuals came out to support, with 11 teams participating in the scramble and many parents coming out to the dinner afterwards.
The chapter for many years did not have a successful philanthropy that would occur yearly, so several brothers developed this idea in November 2012 and it has been successful for the first two years.
Four months prior to the event, the Zeta Gamma Chapter reached out to local businesses to donate to the raffle and also reached out to family, friends, and chapter alumni to participate in the golf outing for a great cause.
The chapter reached its fundraising goal of above $3,800 this year and plans to reach about $4,000 for next year and increase the total number of teams playing in the event.
Louisiana State
In spring 2014, Phi Chapter initiated 10 new knights as they successfully completed the candidate program over the course of the semester. In addition, the chapter had great success with its philanthropy Sigma CaNu. The canoe regatta put on by Phi on the LSU lakes raised nearly $8,500 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Louisiana Tech
The Eta Zeta Chapter at Louisiana Tech University is proud to announce that it won the annual Greek week trophy for the third consecutive year. Greek week at Louisiana Tech consists of philanthropic, athletic, and culinary events.
The Eta Zeta Chapter also hosted its annual crawfish boil fundraiser this spring where over $7,500 was raised to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Hundreds of active members, alumni, and community members attended the event.
Middle Tennessee State
Brother Tyler Muller was recently elected as the new IFC president for 2014 at Middle Tennessee State University. Brother Muller had previously served as IFC vice president of recruitment during 2013. Muller is the second consecutive Sigma Nu to be elected IFC president as he takes over the reins from Brother Jared Adams.
Muller pursued the position of president due to his passion for IFC and the progress it has made. “Jared, myself, and the rest of the council have invested a lot of time into the steps taken this year and I believe I am capable to lead these men as we strive for even greater progress,” he stated.
Over the next year Muller hopes for the IFC to continue its significant improvements in recruitment as well as continuing to establish a posi-tive image among the MTSU campus and surrounding community.
Midwestern State
The story of Eta Upsilon’s descent from a powerhouse at Midwestern State to near extinction will not be repeated here except to say the decline serves as an example to current and future members of what happens when the Fraternity’s values no longer govern a chapter. This is a story of recovery based on dedication to those values.
Almost five years ago the five remaining collegiate brothers of Eta Upsilon Chapter saw themselves as the foundation of a concerted effort to rebuild their chapter. Many considered this a pipe dream while others set about helping rebuild what had been the powerhouse fraternity on campus. Recovery, however, was not going to be a simple matter. Some alumni had left the five remaining collegiate initiates with a distrust of almost all alumni, yet those five recognized the need for alumni participation in the recovery effort. One of the first steps taken was to find an alumnus to become chapter advisor. With that done, the search began for dedicated alumni to create and serve on an advisory board. Ten alumni scattered from Connecticut to New Mexico answered the call and began to meet monthly by conference call to help their chapter recover. Those ten alumni provided the necessary example that Sigma Nu is for life, that love of the brotherhood and a deep sense of personal honor are not simply abstract concepts learned as candidates.
Chapter recovery was further complicated by a sizable debt owed to the General Fraternity; a debt created through negligence of previous brothers. Alumni responded by donating the entire needed sum of $6,000. Alumni continued to support the chapter the following year and paid for its annual White Star Formal.
As Eta Upsilon became more stable, alumni support gradually increased and the chapter began to receive more suggestions for recovery, more help with recruitment, and more financial donations. Two events in the spring semester of 2013 finally showed the entire chapter the depth of restored alumni pride in the chapter.
In the fall, several alumni contacted the Commander to organize a tailgate in time for the homecoming game. At the tailgate, the brothers met a group of men who live their lives – personal and professional – by the Fraternity’s values. Moreover, the alumni left the tailgate with no doubt the chapter was restored and deserved their respect and continued support. Several weeks later alumni presented the chapter with a set of ritual robes immediately before an initiation ceremony as a vote of confidence in the chapter’s recovery.
During the course of Eta Upsilon’s recovery, alumni taught the chapter some techniques of successful one-on-one recruitment. Other alumni also offered occasional ideas for recruitment but one idea was never considered: the chapter unanimously rejected all suggestions to lower recruitment standards for one semester and go for quantity over quality. As a result, the chapter had five members for one semester, four members for two years, then five for a year, and finally seven members. The number of graduating seniors and the refusal to lower standards kept the chapter as the smallest fraternity on campus. That commitment to quality still holds and will continue to do so. During the last six years, Eta Upsilon has gained the reputation of taking only the best of the best as candidates. Mediocrity in any form is not acceptable.
The chapter began 2013 with seven members. Brothers Zane Pollock (HY 539), Bryan Kisinger (HY 542), Storm Cantu (HY 541), Trey Twilligear, (HY 545), Luis Lopez (HY 534), Dillon Irwin (HY 544), and Ryan Booker (HY 543) conducted the most successful recruitment campaign the chapter had seen in a number of years. The Commander promised alumni the chapter would at least double in size at the end of IFC’s formal rush week in September but even the chapter members, including advisors Joshua Kattner (HY 533) and Tom Carver (HY 42), considered that unlikely and expected six candidates at the most. Much to everyone’s surprise — except for the Commander — the chapter gained seventeen candidates for a total of 24 members. The seven knew the value of year-round recruitment and taught the techniques to the seventeen candidates. They learned quickly. Part of next semester’s candidate class is in the wings with possibly more to come after formal rush in February 2014. The chapter considered the IFC decision not to have formal rush in the spring semester unacceptable; so, Sigma Nu is the only fraternity on campus to have planned its own formal rush program for spring 2014.
Hard work, dedication to principles, and living the Creed of Sigma Nu has taken Eta Upsilon from being a joke on campus to being the leading IFC frater-nity. The gentlemen of Sigma Nu, as known at Midwestern State University, once again have men asking about the Fraternity and enjoy a level of alumni support not seen before. The chapter is doing something many doubted it would survive to do — planning the 50th anniversary celebration for 2016. And all because of those three words: Love, Honor, and Truth.
Minnesota
It has been a great spring for the gentleman of Gamma Tau Chapter. Relay for Life was a huge success as the chapter raised the fifth highest total of any student group at the University of Minnesota. Brother Kevin Szeluga and Brother Jacob Iveland were recently elected to sit on the IFC and the chapter was honored to receive Greek awards for both Outstanding Recruitment and Chapter of Excellence. Gamma Tau Chapter is now looking to the fall in preparation for the annual Border Battle, a philanthropy flag football tournament that invites other chapters of Sigma Nu in the region to visit and help raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mississippi
The Epsilon Xi Chapter at the University of Mississippi hosted a 5K charity run on February 26th. The 5k was held to benefit senior Brother Carson Otter. Brother Otter was attacked in Texas in September 2013 while attending the University of Texas and Ole Miss Football game. He underwent brain surgery shortly after the attack, and spent several weeks in the hospital. The charity run went to help cover the family’s medical bills.
Brother Otter who has returned to school as of this February, was able to participate in the race along with his mother and sister. “I think this event really shows the true character of Oxford,” Otter said. “I really want to emphasize how much this will help my family members. They went through as much, if not more, than I had to. This is for them. I cannot express how thankful I am for the people that have gone above and beyond in making this event happen,” said Otter.
On March 21st the chapter hosted its 25th annual Charity Bowl, the philanthropy football game held every March to raise funds for patients recovering from spinal cord injuries.
Epsilon Xi Chapter’s Charity Bowl was first held in 1990 and originally supported Chuckie Mullins, an Ole Miss Football player who was paralyzed after a violent on-field collision. The recipient of this year’s Charity Bowl proceeds, Stevelyn Robinson, was on hand to receive the $75,000 raised from the event.
The 19-year-old Stevelyn Robinson, a former three-sport athlete, has used a wheel chair since injuring his spinal cord in a 2011 school bus accident. Robinson has worked through two years of physical therapy and can now push a wheeled walker for short distances. Stevelyn, who attended the event with his family, was joined at mid-field with Epsilon Xi Chapter officers and Ole Miss Football Coach Matt Luke for the check presentation. Commenting about Stevelyn, event coordinator Paul DeForest noted, “Stevelyn is an incredible kid. It’s just a matter of time before he starts walking again.”
The Charity Bowl featured a football game between members of the Epsilon Xi Chapter and the local Kappa Alpha Order chapter. KA gained its slot in the Charity Bowl by pledging the highest amount of money in an open bidding session between Ole Miss Fraternities. The Ole Miss KA chapter pledged $7,100, outpacing Ole Miss’ Alpha Tau Omega chapter by $500. Previous Charity Bowl participants have included Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Chi.
Charity Bowl has become a longstanding tradition at the University of Mississippi, eventually expanding to include a cheerleading competition and a Charity Bowl “court” with a Charity Bowl Queen. While the chapter has donated $75,000 to Stevelyn and his family, additional proceeds from the event will go to the Friends of Children’s Hospital in Jackson, Miss. It is anticipated that an additional $25,000 will be donated to the Friends of Children’s Hospital.
The Charity Bowl is supported by a variety of Epsilon Xi alumni, current parents, and friends of the chapter. During the game, many parents and alumni volunteered by selling admission tickets and t-shirts, and working concession stands. With the help of parents and alumni, the chapter was able to raise $18,000 during the game.
Putting a wrap on the event, Deforest said, “It was an excellent experience and we were excited to help Stevelyn in his recovery effort. We’re honored to be able to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary and look forward to the next 25 years of being the largest Greek philanthropy in the country.”
Mississippi State
Iota Gamma is pleased to report that it has a new chapter advisor, Brother Patrick Bland. Brother Bland, an alumnus and past Commander, now living in Tupelo, Miss. stepped into the position in 2013. The chapter has also secured a faculty advisor, Nick Gordon, in the Dean of Students Office.
In the fall, the chapter plans to collaborate with several campus organizations to increase donations to organizations in Sigma Nu’s Helping Hands Initiative. This year, the chapter enjoyed brotherhood outings at the reservoir in Jackson, Miss., and a paintball game in Alabama. The chapter also held its first semiformal in Tupelo and held its annual riverboat formal in Memphis in April.
It was bittersweet to graduate some of the very last re-founding fathers of the chapter. Brothers Charles Capdepon, Sam Ward, Chance Ervin and Matthew Timmins graduated in early December. The chapter is proud to see them move on to a future in great careers and become engaged alumni of Iota Gamma.
Missouri
Past Rho Commander, Justin Kendall, was chosen to be on the University of Missouri’s homecoming steering committee for the 2014 homecoming in October.
Homecoming has a long and historic tradition at Mizzou and with the Greek community. The University of Missouri had the first homecoming celebration in 1911 and ever since then it has been established as the largest student-run event on campus.
Each year, over 50,000 people watch the homecoming parade and view house decorations. Also parts of homecoming include mainly Greek organizations raising over 160,000 pounds of food for Columbia food banks, 6,000 units of blood for the blood drive, and volunteering at six different charities.
Having participated in homecoming for many years in different capacities with Rho, Justin wanted to have a bigger impact on the home-coming experience.
Rho hopes to have more members on the homecoming steering committee in the future, and looks forward to participating in homecoming this autumn.
North Dakota State
Ryan Justak from the Eta Theta Chapter at North Dakota State University was named Greek life Man of the Year at the 2014 Greek awards ceremony for his accomplishments as Philanthropy and Community Service Chairman.
The Eta Theta Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at North Dakota State University is participating in Founders’ Month of Service by hosting their annual French Toast Feed to help support the local Red River Zoo, a non-profit organization. This is the fifth year the chapter has hosted this event and the fourth that has benefited the Red River Zoo. Last year the chapter had its most successful event raising over $1,200 and has set its goal to $1,500 this semester.
Last year, the chapter had around 250 guests attend the event and this year the chapter will need over 300 to reach the goal and cover expenses. The zoo will make an appearance for the second year in a row providing information about its programs and even a few small live animals for entertainment!
Brothers are very active in philanthropic service with other Greek houses and on-campus fundraisers. Brother Schaefer keeps track of all donations brothers make, no matter how small and encourages all to take advantage of the philanthropy opportunities provided by campus and the community.
Oregon
In mid-October, 2013, the Gamma Zeta Chapter participated in Greek week, a week-long event supporting local causes such as Food for Lane County and bringing the FSL community together. The chapter teamed up with Chi Psi and Kappa Delta as the Animal Planet team. At least 20 brothers participated in the final talent show at the end, placing them in third place overall. In the future, the chapter hopes to increase its participation and take back first place.
In mid-November Gamma Zeta held its annual Kick Ball Cancer Philanthropy event. All the proceeds go to the international foundation, Movember. Movember raises money and awareness for men’s testicular and prostate cancer. Throughout November, members of the chapter reached out to family and friends for donations. The rest of the money was raised through registration fees for the teams. All of the sororities on campus had at least one team and almost every fraternity had at least one team.
The event raised over $5,000 and had over 400 participants. First place in the men’s division was Delta Sigma Phi with Chi Omega placing first in women’s. The event gained media attention from local affiliate KMTR.
During this process, the chapter worked with Movember national representatives that spoke very highly of the chapter:
“I saw many impressive Movember campus campaigns this year, but I can honestly say that the Sigma Nu [Gamma Zeta Chapter] was one of the best… both in terms of preparation, but also commitment. Sigma Nu’s Kick Ball Cancer tournament is a shining example of how simple and fun it can be to organize a Movember event on campus. I have sung your praises far and wide in my conversations with other chapters and campuses around the country. I look forward to working with Sigma Nu to continue growing the campaign into an annual tradition,” said Doug Prusoff, college engagement manager at Movember.
Pennsylvania
Beta Rho Chapter of Sigma Nu won the University of Pennsylvania’s IFC’s Outstanding Service to the Community award (runner-up). This was due to the chapter’s fantastic Community Service and Philanthropy Chairman (and now Treasurer) Jeremy Danziger.
The brotherhood’s resident band, Chalk Theory Bandits, has played several small concerts this semester with proceeds going to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Several brothers have been elected to campus leadership positions. Joshua Chilcote was elected VP of the student body undergraduate assembly, Devin Grossman was elected to the chair of NEC, and Akhilesh Goswami was elected to the head of the IAA (the largest organization on campus).
Penn College
Brother Marc Kaylor was one of only eight students selected to receive the Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technology Scholarship. Brother Kaylor was selected through an international application process. Brother Kaylor will attend an MD Helicopters factory school that his scholarship of $8,000 will cover.
Rhodes
This semester, the Epsilon Sigma Chapter at Rhodes College has achieved some great things. Senior Brother Kondwani Banda was inducted into the Rhodes Hall of Fame after being chosen by a group of faculty and staff. Second, senior Brother and former EC Demetri Jerow won the award for Greek Man of the Year. Third, the chapter won the award for Fraternity of the Year at Rhodes.
The chapter held a party at its house in order to raise money for the Globemed chapter at Rhodes. The cover charge for each person was $2, the chapter matched all that we raised. Overall $1,400 was raised for Globemed, which helped them achieve and surpass their annual goal of raising $10,000 for clean water filtration system in Nicaragua.
The chapter also hosted a number of unique LEAD sessions, one of which involved retired Air Force Lieutenant General John Bradley coming to speak about his NGO, the Lamia Afghan Foundation, and its philanthropic work in rural Afghanistan. Overall, this has been a very exciting semester for the chapter.
Senior Brother Kondwani is the 4th straight brother to appear in the hall of fame. Kondwani has committed himself to service to the college and to the Memphis community making him an ideal representative of the fraternity and much deserving of the honor of the college’s hall of fame.
The hall of fame is selected by distinguished campus leaders and campus administrators. Kondwani has shown four years of leadership and service to the college and has sought to make all of those he comes into contact with more whole-some individuals.
Kondwani will be graduating in May and moving back to New York to continue his interests in international media and public relations.
Southern Poly
This spring, the Iota Pi Chapter, sometimes referred to as The Iota Pi Family, at Southern Polytechnic State University has won what could be the last traditional Greek week. This is the ninth consecutive year and largest point margin the chapter has won by to date.
Greek Week at SPSU is a highly competitive event that has lasted over 30 years. This year was especially crucial because it was the last traditional Greek week before the consolidation with Kennesaw State University. Greek week at SPSU involves 18 athletic events in which fraternities and sororities compete.
It has been the premier event for the Iota Pi Chapter and through continued support from the alumni and undergraduate chapter, Sigma Nu has been the fraternity to compete against at Southern Polytechnic University. The prime motivation in Greek week has always been the support of not only the active chapter, but also the alumni. Brother Robert “Regi” Bailey states, “I feel like the sound of my brothers cheering me on gives me the extra motivation I need to compete at my best.”
Numerous preparations are always made by the active chapter to succeed in Greek week each year. Brothers like Chad Bennet are one of the many leaders of Greek week that make sure the Iota Pi Chapter is always on top of things by organizing practices and appointing committee heads for each event.
Through the next academic year Southern Polytechnic State University will be consolidating with Kennesaw State University, while most of the chapters at SPSU are concerned, The Iota Pi Family is more encouraged now than ever before to continue their legacy of excellence and success. John Pulicare, the Commander of the Iota Pi Chapter states, “There is much excitement going into the consolidation after this Greek week victory. We have established a foundation of excellence at SPSU and look forward to the opportunities the consolidation will provide for the future of this great chapter.”
Stevens
This spring the Gamma Delta Chapter participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event hosted on the campus of Seton Hall University. Gamma Delta Chapter has participated in this event for the last two years. Last year, Brother James Coyle even served as the MC and DJ of the event.
About 2,000 students, including 25 brothers of Sigma Nu, attended this year’s event. The 12 hour relay resulted in a donation of over $36,000. Many brothers have been impacted by family and friends who have been diagnosed with cancer. For this reason, the brotherhood has made this event a staple in its calendars every spring.
The chapter plans to attend this event again next spring, but also has plans to host and run a Relay for Life on the Stevens Institute of Technology campus.
The Gamma Delta Chapter came away from the inaugural Stevens Fraternity and Sorority Achievement Awards reception with three great distinctions. As a chapter, Gamma Delta received Excellence in Campus Involvement and individual awards were presented to Brothers Anthony Montufar and Mark Scalzo.
The Gamma Delta Chapter takes pride in in the active involvement of its members in all the different sports, extra-curricular activities, and community service. Being well-rounded individuals is something that the chapter focuses heavily on, in addition to the rigor of the academic curriculum at Stevens.
Although the chapter does not aim to win awards for all of its hard work and dedication, it plans to be a favorite for similar awards in the future.
Brothers Chris Vaughan, Daniel Smith, and Gabe Shankweiler were all honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association as All- American performers in Division III Men’s Volleyball. Sophomore Chris Vaughan was selected as a 1st Team All-American while Junior Daniel Smith was selected as a 2nd Team All- American. Freshman Gabe Shankweiler also gained 2nd Team honors in addition to being selected as the UVC Co-Rookie of the Year. The Stevens Men’s Volleyball team, which consists of 10 brothers of the Gamma Delta Chapter, finished ranked #5 in the AVC Top 15 roll and will be com-peting in the quarter-final match of the NCAA Division III Championship.
This semester in the LEAD Program, several alumni guest facilitators, and other guest facilitators were used, as well as many smaller sessions facilitated by the chairman and brothers featuring TED Talk topics. Using the Best Practices Library recommendations, Gamma Delta established a new bylaw requiring all officers to complete LEAD Phase II. Seniors participated in the annual etiquette Phase IV dinner with Stevens Board of Trustees member and Gamma Delta Alumnus Phil Crowley.
The chapter is pleased to report that following the spring 2013 semester, 18 brothers achieved a GPA of a 3.5 or higher. This was capped by Brother Etan Bennett achieving a 4.0 with 21 credit hours. In the fall, the chapter had 30 brothers make the dean’s list.
Tufts
This fall, the Zeta Eta Chapter at Tufts University will be back in a chapter house – its first since being removed from its old home in the summer of 2012. The chapter will be moving into 90-94 Curtis Street, to a property that it will be sharing with Kappa Alpha Theta, a new sorority on campus.
Commander Michael Hursh is optimistic with moving back into a chapter home in the near future. “We lost the house at a tough time, but we’ve learned a lot from that and moved forward,” he said. “One of the positives of this is that we’re moving into a new space … and we kind of have the opportunity to make it our own and to really develop [it] much like we have developed from the past as a brotherhood,” said Hursh.
In an interview with The Tufts Daily, Commander Hursh spoke of the success that the chapter had using Values Based Recruitment. “Obviously, having a house does play a role in recruitment, but one of the things we tried to focus on during our time away from having a house was what we call value-based recruiting, which is trying to recruit people with shared values and common views, rather than people who are just in it for the house,” he said. “If you can maintain the values and then use the house more to drum up initial support, that’s kind of the best of both worlds, and that’s what we’re really aiming for.”
Washington
On March 8th, 37 brothers and candidates of the Gamma Chi Chapter held a brotherhood event to collect food and clothing for Goodwill and the local food bank. The Chaplain and the brotherhood committee planned the event. The members divided into four groups and went to different local areas. All the groups spent around 3-4 hours in their respective neighborhoods collecting donations.
“There was a distinct satisfaction at a job well done that was also visibly measurable and going to make a difference. I liked the personal nature of the event, as it is something unique we haven’t done before and was not just being shoehorned into a prepared event of someone else, but let our members actively interact with other community members to assist the needy in their own personal way,” said Chaplain Garrett Rayl.
Garrett Rayl is a senior at the Gamma Chi Chapter at UW and is in his third year as Chaplain. When he became Chaplain, he started a new tradition in which all the brotherhood events of the chapter would be based around Love, Honor, and Truth. This community service event was one of the Honor brotherhood events. Many brothers would argue he significantly improved the Chaplain position and improved the brotherhood overall.
Washington and Lee
Lambda Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity was named Washington and Lee University’s Greek Chapter of the Year at the university’s 2014 LEAD Awards banquet. The administration cited the chapter’s focus on community service and its partnerships with organizations like Relay for Life and Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity, with whom new mem-bers built a home earlier this winter. Brothers of the chapter were praised for their leadership roles in many campus organizations, including the Student Association for International Learning and the Student Judicial Council. Lambda Chapter was also recognized this year for its academic accomplishments, as the chapter once again achieved the highest average GPA of any Greek organization at Washington and Lee.
When asked about his thoughts regarding the award, Commander Alex Retzloff remarked, “I could not be more proud of all of the members of Lambda Chapter. They put in their all and it paid off — the university took notice of their remarkable efforts. However, this award does not mean we can stop what we are doing and rest on our laurels. Now more than ever we must strive to continue to be an exemplary part of the community, both on and off campus.”